Maryland Historical Trust Underwater Archeology
Stephen
Bilicki of the Maryland Historical Trust was spokesperson for a team of
underwater archeologists at a press conference held at Elk Landing on Aug
18, 2000. The team has been surveying the upper Elk River and the area
around Frenchtown in search of historical artifacts from the war of 1812.
They think they located the packet ship Susquehanna, which is
believed to be one of the oldest ship remains discovered in MD waters. The
search for a second ship, indicated to be in the same area, has been
unsuccessful to date. Colonial re-enactors were on hand to keep a watchful
eye on the day's events.
A selection of exciting artifacts were displayed at the press
conference. 
The
table contained numerous items found during the survey, including a pewter button, miscellaneous
nails, pieces of chain, and pieces of broken glass. The high iron content of Cecil County rocks,
in addition to items such as starter motors, beer cans and other products of today's
society, complicated their use of
high technology magnetometers normally used in locating
artifacts. In spite of this,
items of national historical interest were discovered and the team was
quite excited.
Made of several large,
interconnected chain links, it was fired from
cannons and would spin during flight toward the ship. It was capable of ripping
sails and breaking masts as well as penetrating the hull. The item at
left, found during the search, appears to be a portion of chain shot
This artifact was
found underwater near an area where the Colonist reportedly constructed an
obstruction to stop British ships.
This section of chain
may be part of
the actual chain used to obstruct the channel. Future research will be
conducted to verify the origin.
Amelia
Viars holds a wooden tool that was recovered from the Little Elk Creek near
the stone tavern at Elk Landing. Amelia was part of the archeology team
working in the area.
There is some concern that repeated dredging of the Elk River by the Corps of Engineers, without the benefit of an archeological survey first, has resulted in the loss of many items of historical interest. The team also referred to maps drawn by Benjamin Latrobe dating back as early as 1803 and 1809 for guidance in locating historical buildings that existed near Frenchown. The location of many of the buildings as well as piers were found in the area.
Michael Hughes, a graduate of East Carolina University and Tim Wallace, an undergraduate at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn were also part of the team and will be participating with Steve in presenting their findings at an international conference this winter.